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Hello all. I want to thank the VJ community and especially Hank, whose valuable website helped us a lot during the K1 stage of our journey. It has been 6 years long since me and my wife (my then fiancee ) started this immigration journey. I am happy to report that yesterday my wife had her oath taking for US citizenship. In each stage of this journey there was always uncertainty as we didn't know what to expect from USCIS. At times it felt like the waiting game is too much. But with patience and prayers we are finally done.. Whoever still at any stage of this journey, hang in there. As long as you are legally following the laws USCIS have laid and genuinely telling the truth then there is nothing to be worried about. It is just a matter of time before you either become a permanent resident or US citizen. Take care and God bless.

Hello all. I want to thank the VJ community and especially Hank, whose valuable website helped us a lot during the K1 stage of our journey. It has been 6 years long since me and my wife (my then fiancee ) started this immigration journey. I am happy to report that yesterday my wife had her oath taking for US citizenship. In each stage of this journey there was always uncertainty as we didn't know what to expect from USCIS. At times it felt like the waiting game is too much. But with patience and prayers we are finally done.. Whoever still at any stage of this journey, hang in there. As long as you are legally following the laws USCIS have laid and genuinely telling the truth then there is nothing to be worried about. It is just a matter of time before you either become a permanent resident or US citizen. Take care and God bless.

Hello all. I want to thank the VJ community and especially Hank, whose valuable website helped us a lot during the K1 stage of our journey. It has been 6 years long since me and my wife (my then fiancee ) started this immigration journey. I am happy to report that yesterday my wife had her oath taking for US citizenship. In each stage of this journey there was always uncertainty as we didn't know what to expect from USCIS. At times it felt like the waiting game is too much. But with patience and prayers we are finally done.. Whoever still at any stage of this journey, hang in there. As long as you are legally following the laws USCIS have laid and genuinely telling the truth then there is nothing to be worried about. It is just a matter of time before you either become a permanent resident or US citizen. Take care and God bless.

Hello all. I want to thank the VJ community and especially Hank, whose valuable website helped us a lot during the K1 stage of our journey. It has been 6 years long since me and my wife (my then fiancee ) started this immigration journey. I am happy to report that yesterday my wife had her oath taking for US citizenship. In each stage of this journey there was always uncertainty as we didn't know what to expect from USCIS. At times it felt like the waiting game is too much. But with patience and prayers we are finally done.. Whoever still at any stage of this journey, hang in there. As long as you are legally following the laws USCIS have laid and genuinely telling the truth then there is nothing to be worried about. It is just a matter of time before you either become a permanent resident or US citizen. Take care and God bless.

Hello all. I want to thank the VJ community and especially Hank, whose valuable website helped us a lot during the K1 stage of our journey. It has been 6 years long since me and my wife (my then fiancee ) started this immigration journey. I am happy to report that yesterday my wife had her oath taking for US citizenship. In each stage of this journey there was always uncertainty as we didn't know what to expect from USCIS. At times it felt like the waiting game is too much. But with patience and prayers we are finally done.. Whoever still at any stage of this journey, hang in there. As long as you are legally following the laws USCIS have laid and genuinely telling the truth then there is nothing to be worried about. It is just a matter of time before you either become a permanent resident or US citizen. Take care and God bless.

Hello all. I want to thank the VJ community and especially Hank, whose valuable website helped us a lot during the K1 stage of our journey. It has been 6 years long since me and my wife (my then fiancee ) started this immigration journey. I am happy to report that yesterday my wife had her oath taking for US citizenship. In each stage of this journey there was always uncertainty as we didn't know what to expect from USCIS. At times it felt like the waiting game is too much. But with patience and prayers we are finally done.. Whoever still at any stage of this journey, hang in there. As long as you are legally following the laws USCIS have laid and genuinely telling the truth then there is nothing to be worried about. It is just a matter of time before you either become a permanent resident or US citizen. Take care and God bless.

Hello all. I want to thank the VJ community and especially Hank, whose valuable website helped us a lot during the K1 stage of our journey. It has been 6 years long since me and my wife (my then fiancee ) started this immigration journey. I am happy to report that yesterday my wife had her oath taking for US citizenship. In each stage of this journey there was always uncertainty as we didn't know what to expect from USCIS. At times it felt like the waiting game is too much. But with patience and prayers we are finally done.. Whoever still at any stage of this journey, hang in there. As long as you are legally following the laws USCIS have laid and genuinely telling the truth then there is nothing to be worried about. It is just a matter of time before you either become a permanent resident or US citizen. Take care and God bless.

During my wife's interview on joint I 751/N400 my two year old son was with us. He still breastfeed and also he is a very active little one. During the interview the USCIS officer allowed all three of us into her office. She was very accommodating even when I was hinting if I should take out my son from her office once we were done with the I 751 part. She said she is fine for us to stay. Anyway she had no problem that we stayed on the room for both the interviews. My wife even breastfed my son right in front of the officer (my wife uses a cover for breastfeeding when in public) and she was OK with it. During the N400 part of the interview to lessen any distraction I carried my son close to the door while my wife sat in front of the officer. We were out of her office in less than 20 minutes. No issues whatsoever. The people at the local San Jose office thought my son was adorable. These are people too who have families and do understand how it is to have a baby/toddler. But anyway this was just our experience so YMMV.

During my wife's interview on joint I 751/N400 my two year old son was with us. He still breastfeed and also he is a very active little one. During the interview the USCIS officer allowed all three of us into her office. She was very accommodating even when I was hinting if I should take out my son from her office once we were done with the I 751 part. She said she is fine for us to stay. Anyway she had no problem that we stayed on the room for both the interviews. My wife even breastfed my son right in front of the officer (my wife uses a cover for breastfeeding when in public) and she was OK with it. During the N400 part of the interview to lessen any distraction I carried my son close to the door while my wife sat in front of the officer. We were out of her office in less than 20 minutes. No issues whatsoever. The people at the local San Jose office thought my son was adorable. These are people too who have families and do understand how it is to have a baby/toddler. But anyway this was just our experience so YMMV.

During my wife's interview on joint I 751/N400 my two year old son was with us. He still breastfeed and also he is a very active little one. During the interview the USCIS officer allowed all three of us into her office. She was very accommodating even when I was hinting if I should take out my son from her office once we were done with the I 751 part. She said she is fine for us to stay. Anyway she had no problem that we stayed on the room for both the interviews. My wife even breastfed my son right in front of the officer (my wife uses a cover for breastfeeding when in public) and she was OK with it. During the N400 part of the interview to lessen any distraction I carried my son close to the door while my wife sat in front of the officer. We were out of her office in less than 20 minutes. No issues whatsoever. The people at the local San Jose office thought my son was adorable. These are people too who have families and do understand how it is to have a baby/toddler. But anyway this was just our experience so YMMV.

During my wife's interview on joint I 751/N400 my two year old son was with us. He still breastfeed and also he is a very active little one. During the interview the USCIS officer allowed all three of us into her office. She was very accommodating even when I was hinting if I should take out my son from her office once we were done with the I 751 part. She said she is fine for us to stay. Anyway she had no problem that we stayed on the room for both the interviews. My wife even breastfed my son right in front of the officer (my wife uses a cover for breastfeeding when in public) and she was OK with it. During the N400 part of the interview to lessen any distraction I carried my son close to the door while my wife sat in front of the officer. We were out of her office in less than 20 minutes. No issues whatsoever. The people at the local San Jose office thought my son was adorable. These are people too who have families and do understand how it is to have a baby/toddler. But anyway this was just our experience so YMMV.

I am happy to report that our long journey is almost over. My wife came to the US back in March 2014 under K1. We got married in April 2014. We filed her conditional green card May 2017 ... then all silent after biometrics. Had her card stamped for I 551 since her original i 751 letter expired . We even got the letter that they are extending her I 751 for another 18 months. So frustrating with all the wait. By May of 2018 we decided to that my wife should apply for US citizenship. We applied online and within a day we have a NOA that they received her application. 20 days later biometrics... then nothing was heard as far as progress. On her online account for the n400 they have a completion days of 10 months which we ignore knowing how much delay they already cost us with the lifting of conditions.

Every two weeks we received on both the i751 and n400 email updates saying they are still reviewing case and no updates. By December 2018 we finally had an action on the I 751 that it was transferred to NVC.and then to the local office. By January 2019 my wife got an appointment for n400 interview but no indication about the I 751, for Feb. 2019. We assumed it would be a combo interview at our local USCIS. On Feb 2019 we were excited that it would be over soon. However after waiting to be called for an hour, and we got disappointed again because the USCIS officer told us they could not do the N400 with the I 751 still pending. So I asked will they reschedule the interview. The officer said Yes and it will be an interview for the I 751 first then a different officer will do the N400. She said I should come again with my wife on the next interview. We were told to wait within 90 days. We left the building frustrated.

Towards the middle of March 2019 my wife got a call from the local USCIS that they are conducting her I 751 interview on April 15 2019. An email was also sent within 30 minutes of the phone call. On the appointment letter there was no mention of the N400 interview. It just says I 751 and to be conducted at the AOS unit. We sent a request from USCIS to find out if it was a combo interview but no response. 2 weeks before her interview we got a notification on her online account that the N400 interview will follow the I 751. Six letters from USCIS came a week later with cancellations of the original N400 interview as well as the new interview update .

Last Monday April 15 we got 20 minutes before her interview. There was a long line before you can get inside the rooms. At 7 minutes before her interview time we waited anxiously. and 15 minutes later got called by a nice officer. I had files with me including a photo album just in case the officer wanted additional evidences of our relationship /co mingling while my wife carried our 2 year old son. The officer was very friendly and did a little chat on the way to her office when she saw our son. She told us she will be conducting the I 751 interview first then the N400 will follow. I was glad to hear that the same officer will be conducting both interviews.

After we both were sworn in, the officer pulled and look at our I 751 paperwork. She asked either of us if we want to present additional documents or evidence. I asked her if she wanted to look at the photo album. She said she gladly would look at them.. We had over 100 pictures on the album showing the different trips, my son's birth and birthday as well as various pictures with family and friends. After she saw the album she seems satisfied , went to her computer and told my wife she is approving her I 751. At that time my son was getting cranky coz he was hungry. My wife asked the officer if its ok to breastfeed my son (she uses a cover when she breast feeds him in public) and the officer was OK with it. At this time she told my wife she would conduct the n400 interview. She asked her 6 questions which she answered correctly then had her read something on the IPAD, gave her an answer to write the answer. Afterwards they went over the N400 application. She then have her sign the IPAD. Congratulated her and give her the paper stating she passed the questions and her application is fine and recommended for approval. We left the building and was happy that we are nearing the end of this part of our lives.

By the end of the day we checked online my wife's N400 that they have approved it awaiting for oath taking. They also approved the I 751 and will be mailing the card. We waited a few more days for the actual oath taking and yesterday we finally got the location, day and time of the oath taking. I want to thank the community here for being so responsive and helpful on advices that we got during my wife's immigration journey. Good luck all and don't lose hope . Your turn will come too.

It is the same thing in New Jersey . Our marriage certificate has my wife's maiden name written on it . She was able to use my last name on her SS card, DMV, IRS but when we filed for forms I 485, I 751 and eventually N400 my wife used her maiden name since we thought we had to follow what was written on the marriage certificate and her Phil passport. If we had known at that time that it was OK to use my last name we would have avoided the hassle that we are facing right now. My wife recently passed both I 751 and N400 interviews. On our N400 form we requested a change of name (i.e. my wife to use my last name) . However we were told by the interviewing IO, in Santa Clara county , Ca, they don't have any judicial oath taking so if my wife wants to take up my last name on her nat cert we have to go thru the local court first then re apply for a new naturalization certificate ($$$) . She still can use my last name on the other legal documents per the IO . However for her naturalization certificate it will have to be whatever is written on the marriage certificate as this is the document that USCIS will follow.

It is hard to tell what to expect. It seems to be case by case basis, varies from one local USCIS office to another or even from interviewing officer. From what I have gathered in this forum these scenarios could happen. a) it can be a combination I 751 and N400 interview b) they can interview you for the N400 but not approve it until they decide on your I 751 c) postpone the N400 for a latter date so they can do a combination I 751/N400 interview. My wife who also entered the US as a K-1 had her original N400 interview moved to another date since her I 751 was pending. It is good that you are bringing your husband with you. Also be prepared to bring additional evidences that you can add on your I 751 case after you have submitted your application just in case the immigration officer ask you to present additional proof of co-mingling. Good luck.

It is the same thing in New Jersey . Our marriage certificate has my wife's maiden name written on it . She was able to use my last name on her SS card, DMV, IRS but when we filed for forms I 485, I 751 and eventually N400 my wife used her maiden name since we thought we had to follow what was written on the marriage certificate and her Phil passport. If we had known at that time that it was OK to use my last name we would have avoided the hassle that we are facing right now. My wife recently passed both I 751 and N400 interviews. On our N400 form we requested a change of name (i.e. my wife to use my last name) . However we were told by the interviewing IO, in Santa Clara county , Ca, they don't have any judicial oath taking so if my wife wants to take up my last name on her nat cert we have to go thru the local court first then re apply for a new naturalization certificate ($$$) . She still can use my last name on the other legal documents per the IO . However for her naturalization certificate it will have to be whatever is written on the marriage certificate as this is the document that USCIS will follow.

I am happy to report that our long journey is almost over. My wife came to the US back in March 2014 under K1. We got married in April 2014. We filed her conditional green card May 2017 ... then all silent after biometrics. Had her card stamped for I 551 since her original i 751 letter expired . We even got the letter that they are extending her I 751 for another 18 months. So frustrating with all the wait. By May of 2018 we decided to that my wife should apply for US citizenship. We applied online and within a day we have a NOA that they received her application. 20 days later biometrics... then nothing was heard as far as progress. On her online account for the n400 they have a completion days of 10 months which we ignore knowing how much delay they already cost us with the lifting of conditions.

Every two weeks we received on both the i751 and n400 email updates saying they are still reviewing case and no updates. By December 2018 we finally had an action on the I 751 that it was transferred to NVC.and then to the local office. By January 2019 my wife got an appointment for n400 interview but no indication about the I 751, for Feb. 2019. We assumed it would be a combo interview at our local USCIS. On Feb 2019 we were excited that it would be over soon. However after waiting to be called for an hour, and we got disappointed again because the USCIS officer told us they could not do the N400 with the I 751 still pending. So I asked will they reschedule the interview. The officer said Yes and it will be an interview for the I 751 first then a different officer will do the N400. She said I should come again with my wife on the next interview. We were told to wait within 90 days. We left the building frustrated.

Towards the middle of March 2019 my wife got a call from the local USCIS that they are conducting her I 751 interview on April 15 2019. An email was also sent within 30 minutes of the phone call. On the appointment letter there was no mention of the N400 interview. It just says I 751 and to be conducted at the AOS unit. We sent a request from USCIS to find out if it was a combo interview but no response. 2 weeks before her interview we got a notification on her online account that the N400 interview will follow the I 751. Six letters from USCIS came a week later with cancellations of the original N400 interview as well as the new interview update .

Last Monday April 15 we got 20 minutes before her interview. There was a long line before you can get inside the rooms. At 7 minutes before her interview time we waited anxiously. and 15 minutes later got called by a nice officer. I had files with me including a photo album just in case the officer wanted additional evidences of our relationship /co mingling while my wife carried our 2 year old son. The officer was very friendly and did a little chat on the way to her office when she saw our son. She told us she will be conducting the I 751 interview first then the N400 will follow. I was glad to hear that the same officer will be conducting both interviews.

After we both were sworn in, the officer pulled and look at our I 751 paperwork. She asked either of us if we want to present additional documents or evidence. I asked her if she wanted to look at the photo album. She said she gladly would look at them.. We had over 100 pictures on the album showing the different trips, my son's birth and birthday as well as various pictures with family and friends. After she saw the album she seems satisfied , went to her computer and told my wife she is approving her I 751. At that time my son was getting cranky coz he was hungry. My wife asked the officer if its ok to breastfeed my son (she uses a cover when she breast feeds him in public) and the officer was OK with it. At this time she told my wife she would conduct the n400 interview. She asked her 6 questions which she answered correctly then had her read something on the IPAD, gave her an answer to write the answer. Afterwards they went over the N400 application. She then have her sign the IPAD. Congratulated her and give her the paper stating she passed the questions and her application is fine and recommended for approval. We left the building and was happy that we are nearing the end of this part of our lives.

By the end of the day we checked online my wife's N400 that they have approved it awaiting for oath taking. They also approved the I 751 and will be mailing the card. We waited a few more days for the actual oath taking and yesterday we finally got the location, day and time of the oath taking. I want to thank the community here for being so responsive and helpful on advices that we got during my wife's immigration journey. Good luck all and don't lose hope . Your turn will come too.

When my wife received her N400 interview letter back in February there was no mention of the I 751 either . However we did get a letter in Dec 2018 that her I 751 was transferred to Lee's Summit then online it said transferred to a new office. Previously it had been to the local office since Feb 2018! We showed up for her Feb interview for the N400 but they had to reschedule a new interview this time for both I 751 and N400 within 90 days since they cannot conduct the N400 without I 751 being approved. Furthermore she told us it will be different officers who will do the interview and the spouse(American Citizen) should come during the I 751 interview. Fast forward April 15 during her updated interview for the joint I 751 and N400 , same officer conducted the interview.

If I were you during the interview bring the spouse with you (the petitioner) in case they conduct a combo I 751 / N400. Good luck.

I am happy to report that our long journey is almost over. My wife came to the US back in March 2014 under K1. We got married in April 2014. We filed her conditional green card May 2017 ... then all silent after biometrics. Had her card stamped for I 551 since her original i 751 letter expired . We even got the letter that they are extending her I 751 for another 18 months. So frustrating with all the wait. By May of 2018 we decided to that my wife should apply for US citizenship. We applied online and within a day we have a NOA that they received her application. 20 days later biometrics... then nothing was heard as far as progress. On her online account for the n400 they have a completion days of 10 months which we ignore knowing how much delay they already cost us with the lifting of conditions.

Every two weeks we received on both the i751 and n400 email updates saying they are still reviewing case and no updates. By December 2018 we finally had an action on the I 751 that it was transferred to NVC.and then to the local office. By January 2019 my wife got an appointment for n400 interview but no indication about the I 751, for Feb. 2019. We assumed it would be a combo interview at our local USCIS. On Feb 2019 we were excited that it would be over soon. However after waiting to be called for an hour, and we got disappointed again because the USCIS officer told us they could not do the N400 with the I 751 still pending. So I asked will they reschedule the interview. The officer said Yes and it will be an interview for the I 751 first then a different officer will do the N400. She said I should come again with my wife on the next interview. We were told to wait within 90 days. We left the building frustrated.

Towards the middle of March 2019 my wife got a call from the local USCIS that they are conducting her I 751 interview on April 15 2019. An email was also sent within 30 minutes of the phone call. On the appointment letter there was no mention of the N400 interview. It just says I 751 and to be conducted at the AOS unit. We sent a request from USCIS to find out if it was a combo interview but no response. 2 weeks before her interview we got a notification on her online account that the N400 interview will follow the I 751. Six letters from USCIS came a week later with cancellations of the original N400 interview as well as the new interview update .

Last Monday April 15 we got 20 minutes before her interview. There was a long line before you can get inside the rooms. At 7 minutes before her interview time we waited anxiously. and 15 minutes later got called by a nice officer. I had files with me including a photo album just in case the officer wanted additional evidences of our relationship /co mingling while my wife carried our 2 year old son. The officer was very friendly and did a little chat on the way to her office when she saw our son. She told us she will be conducting the I 751 interview first then the N400 will follow. I was glad to hear that the same officer will be conducting both interviews.

After we both were sworn in, the officer pulled and look at our I 751 paperwork. She asked either of us if we want to present additional documents or evidence. I asked her if she wanted to look at the photo album. She said she gladly would look at them.. We had over 100 pictures on the album showing the different trips, my son's birth and birthday as well as various pictures with family and friends. After she saw the album she seems satisfied , went to her computer and told my wife she is approving her I 751. At that time my son was getting cranky coz he was hungry. My wife asked the officer if its ok to breastfeed my son (she uses a cover when she breast feeds him in public) and the officer was OK with it. At this time she told my wife she would conduct the n400 interview. She asked her 6 questions which she answered correctly then had her read something on the IPAD, gave her an answer to write the answer. Afterwards they went over the N400 application. She then have her sign the IPAD. Congratulated her and give her the paper stating she passed the questions and her application is fine and recommended for approval. We left the building and was happy that we are nearing the end of this part of our lives.

By the end of the day we checked online my wife's N400 that they have approved it awaiting for oath taking. They also approved the I 751 and will be mailing the card. We waited a few more days for the actual oath taking and yesterday we finally got the location, day and time of the oath taking. I want to thank the community here for being so responsive and helpful on advices that we got during my wife's immigration journey. Good luck all and don't lose hope . Your turn will come too.

My wife, son and I just got back from USCIS for my wife's I751 and N400 interview. Previously her original interview date for N400 was on Feb 15. However since her I 751 was pending they moved it. They told us they will within 90 days to reschedule an I 751 and N400 interivew, We got a letter around mid March that the I 751 interview will be conducted on April 15 but no indication of N400 interview. At the end of March USCIS called and told my wife about the combo i751 and N400 interview. They emailed us the letter for the I 751 and n400 interview which was indicated to be an hour apart. We arrived at 9 am and the USCIS office was already crowded. Her interview was at 9:30. It took 20 minutes to finish the security check . We were so stressed out thinking we might be late for the interview . Thank God the line for the person directing where to go was short. . By 9:23 we were at the main room where other people waited for interview or window appointment. We waited for 10-15 min before we were called by a very nice and friendly female officer. My son who is 2 years old was a bit noisy coz he was getting bored of waiting. I was worried that I might have to take him out of the building. The officer led us to her office. The officer was acomodating knowing how toddlers can be noisy and easily distracted. At first she conducted the I 751 interview . My wife and I was sworn in. She asked us if I have any additional evidences we want to present. I told her we have a photo album if she wants to look at it. She browsed the album and asked who some of the people in the album., where was the pictures taken. She also asked us about our recent trips. Then I asked her if she needs additional evidences. She said this should be enough at this time. She went to her computer and she told my wife she is approving her I 751. In the meantime my wife asked the officer if she could breast feed my son who was getting hungry at this time. She said sure go ahead. Took less than 10 minutes for the I 751 interview. At this time I was thinking that we have to wait for 10:30 AM for the N400 interview. But she was the same officer who conducted the N400. right after the I 751. I thought she would send me and my son out of the room while she conducted the interview . She told me it is ok to stay. I carried my son while she went on with the N400 portion of my wife's interview. She asked 6 questions :

1. Why did the colonist fought the British?
2. Give two rights of people living in the US?
3. Who is the current speaker of the house?
4. Name 3 original colonies?
5. Name one right of a US citizen?
6. Name two legal US holidays?

She also had my wife read on the IPAD : Where is the White House?
then she said to my wife to write : The White House is in Washington DC

Then she went over the N400 form. Had my wife sign that she is pledging allegiance to the US. The officer then proceeded to congratulate my wife. She handed us a letter stating she passed the quiz and written part of the citizenship interview. Also she marked that my wife N400 has been recommended for approval. Now awaiting final approval and notification for oath taking. The only thing that was kind of a bummer was that my wife cannot use her married name since they had to follow what was written on the Marriage certificate which is her maiden name. We got married in New Jersey and they did not use my last name as her last name but her maiden name instead . So now we have to go to a court to change her name. It is a law in Santa clara county per the officer that they dont allow name changes except via the courts. But still we are glad and thankful to our creator that this part of our lives is done.

My wife's citizenship interview was originally slated for Feb 15 2019.. We waited for an hour and was kinda bummed out since they rescheduled interview. We worried this will take months again to be reschedule. We were told by the local USCIS officer since her I 751 has not been adjudicated they cannot proceed with N400. I was also told to be present next time during my wife's I 751 interview.. We were told they will have to reschedule both within 90 days. The officer took our phone number and email. Mid March she got a notice for I 751 interview only on April 15 but without the N400. We followed GoodByeGirl's advice (thank you) and asked USCIS whether it will be a joint N400 and I 751 interview. Just today an officer from the local USCIS office called to notify my wife that her N400 interview will follow right after the I 751. She also sent her the email letter with the date and time of the N400 on same day as the I 751. Hopefully this is it!